Pleural disease

Many diseases affect the pleural space including common diseases such as pneumonia, breast cancer, and heart failure. Pleural disease is, therefore, often a secondary effect of another disease process. In addition, inhaled toxic particles such as asbestos can move into the pleural space where, decades later, a cancer called mesothelioma can develop. Pleural effusion (large amounts of liquid in the pleural space) is the most common form of pleural disease and a common presentation of other conditions such as heart failure or kidney failure.

Common symptoms of pleural disease are:

• chest pain
• shortness of breath
• coughing up blood
• nausea
• sweating

See your doctor if you have chest pain or other symptoms of pleural disease. Pleural disease can usually be diagnosed based on your symptoms. Your doctor will listen to your chest, although further tests may be needed. These tests include:

• blood tests
• chest X-rays
• an ultrasound scan
• a CT scan
• a biopsy

Get immediate help if you have severe chest pain, particularly if you also have other symptoms, such as coughing up blood, nausea or sweating.

Treatment for pleural disease usually involves relieving the pain and, in some cases, treating the underlying cause. If treated promptly, pleural disease often gets better without causing any lasting lung damage.